"Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom (Genesis 13:12)."

One of the most important qualities of a relationship with God is autonomy. We are granted the freedom to choose whether or not we will resolve to live a life pleasing to God. Choice is essential, for it is the only thing that separates man from beast. Man has choice, while beast has instinct. Lot from the bible, was given the choice to live in any section in the plains of Jordan, which are described as beautiful and almost like the Garden of Eden. Instead of choosing the most beautiful place on earth, Lot chooses to pitch his tent near Sodom. Sodom was a wicked place. Here are some sections of the bible you should read to educate yourself on Lot's story and the wickedness of Sodom.

• Genesis 13:5-6, skip to 9-13 Lot chooses to camp near Sodom
• Genesis 19:1, skip to 4-8 Wickedness of Sodom
• Genesis 19:31-32 Lot's decision has a ripple effect on his daughters

Lot was a man who seemed to be greatly influenced by his environment.

God considered Lot and his family righteous, so he saved them. He made good come out of the situation.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose, (Romans 8:28)."

So here is where God makes it good, Lot’s older daughter's son was named Moab. God gave Moab a section of land in Canaan. One of his descendants was Ruth, who in turn, was named as one of the ancestors of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

Lot was loyal to his uncle, Abraham and was a diligent worker and overseer just like some of us in our own church, school, and community. Lot could have been a great man, but he let himself get distracted.

Following God and living up to his potential for us requires constant effort. Like Lot, we are surrounded by a corrupt, sinful society. We can't flee from our society, but we can live God-honoring lives in spite of it.

The bible tells us do not be conformed to this world, but to instead be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

We live in such a fast paced, innovative world that presents new and exciting opportunities on a daily basis. Sometimes we are drawn to the new covenant that we forget about the old one. When that new piece of software or that new music group comes out, we can easily forget who we are and begin admiring who we could be. My Pastor tells us there is always room for potential, but we need to find our potential IN CHRIST JESUS.

For those of you who are not saved, you develop another excuse. I hear it all the time, “I am not ready to get saved, I am not prepared to give up these things I like to do.” A writer friend of mine was doing a piece on spiritual liberation and asked how I encourage millennials to live for Christ. I simply answered with this: have you tried Him? We sing a song “have you tried Jesus”, and I have. Once I did, I no longer had the desire to go the places I used to go, watch the shows I used to watch and be with the people I used to surround myself with. And that was the problem with Lot. He may not have been in Sodom, however he pitched his tent near Sodom and was STILL greatly affected by it. So if you pitch your tent near Sodom: i.e. if you go to the party but you don’t drink, or if you go to the fight, but you don’t hit the girl- you are pitching your tent near Sodom!

Lot had a wonderful teacher and holy example in his uncle Abraham, just like we have through parents, professors and pastors, but when Lot left to go out on his own, he did not follow in Abraham's footsteps. Who are you outside of church?

Listen to God's Word at church. Let yourself be teachable. My mom is a teacher and I am studying to become a teacher and one of the worst things to encounter in school is a child who does not want to learn. So let yourself be teachable and absorb the word of God.

And you will be rewarded. We hear about Lot in the new testament as well in 2 Peter 2:7-9. God takes care of his people, and when you really want something you will go after it, it is in your nature.